What do you do if you're a late career professional in education facing challenges?

It is important to realize that we are all struggling to figure things out right now. None of us has it figured out so be kind to yourself during your challenges. Identify what is giving you difficulty-student behavior? New technology? New curriculum? Increased expectations? Then, make a plan for improvement. Which peer or colleague is doing well in this area? Would they be open to exchanging information with you? What could you offer in exchange? Would your supervisor allow you the time to shadow or observe someone who has mastered what you are trying to learn? If so, ask to take advantage of that opportunity. Don't be afraid to stretch and to let other people help you.

In Education, change is inevitable and necessary so that we equip children and young people for their ever-evolving futures. But change is unsettling, unfamiliar and uncomfortable. In my experience, accepting this fact from the start is one of the best ways forward as change begins at the end of your comfort zone. Socrates said: ‘The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new’. I consider my self to be an old dog these days but I’m always up for a new trick!

Continuous life-long learning is an ongoing journey, and along this path, change is unavoidable. When confronted with change, particularly in today's rapidly evolving ambient, educators must possess exceptional skills to effectively engage learners and meet their needs. Once grasping the desired outcomes from learners, educators can carve out space for further growth, enabling them to enhance their skills and bridge any gaps in knowledge regarding new technologies. Thus, learning never ceases.

Embracing change later in your career can be challenging, but it's definitely possible. Here's what can be done: 1. Stay flexible: Embrace the idea that change can lead to growth and new opportunities. 2. Continuously Learn: Keep updating your skills and knowledge. Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, or friends who can offer guidance. 3. Stay Positive and take initiative and self reflect : Maintain a positive attitude towards change and learn to quickly adjust to new situations and embrace ambiguity. These are examples that I used in my life as I switched from being a researcher to a teacher. I agree these steps helped to overcome all types of challenges such as social, physical and mental.

Never be content. As the year wraps up, you’ve likely had many wins, losses, and challenges. Where do you want to grow? Where do you want to be challenged ? Don’t get to a point where you’re counting the years to retirement. That’s being content. Know you’re making a difference Making an impact to at least one student what would have never been impacted had it not been for you.

Seeking support can take a few different forms. It can be turning to a colleague you trust, working with an admin/coach, putting together a working group of educators, or even getting outside support if you don't get it in the school. The one thing I don't recommend is going at it alone. Being an educator means needing to lean on others to be your best self. If you don't or can't find that support in your own school, find it outside of your school. There are lots of coaches and consultants who want to support you and social media groups of teachers supporting one another. Do what is best for you when it comes to getting support, just be sure you are getting supported.

I started teaching at 50. "Find the helpers" at your school- I really needed them for tech challenges! At my first job the two younger teachers I had to work with were not very welcoming and wanted me to do everything just like they did. I checked in with special education specialists in reading, behavior management, and Autism methods to make sure that what I was doing was on track. It was! Check in with numerous teachers to get help or an opinion, not just those you work with every day.

I have observed that seeking guidance from administrators, coaches, professors, and colleagues is quite beneficial. There is no need for concern if you lack knowledge on certain matters. You can bridge the gaps by applying your newfound information to your existing understanding. Actively pursue opportunities to observe and learn from others in order to gain valuable understanding of the difficulties you face. I strongly discourage avoiding seeking assistance and experiencing a sense of isolation.

Make the connections, reach out! The worst someone will tell you is no; the best outcome is that you have new people in your network!

I always prefer learning new skills which will help me to overcome my struggling career. Although I love teaching I'll try to switch my career in another domain where I can get more exposure. And I will not leave teaching completely, I would like to keep it as a secondary source of income.

With all the free courses around, there are endless ways to access the material. Be sure to vet the ones you put your time into!

Take part in collaboration opportunities when you can! Communities are around for almost anything; make sure the ones you put your energy into are symbiotic and not one-sided!

Learn something new every day... sometimes that happens by accident, and sometimes you must seek it out. The evolution of your learning does not end with reaching the job or stage of life you want; to keep evolving in a fast-paced industry is essential!

Depending on the challenge, never react without reflecting on the circumstances. Seek wisdom from capable others. Look to see if someone you trust has experienced the same or similar scenario before.

Strengths have gotten me (you) to this point in your career that make me (you) influential. It’s not about sharing past experiences; it’s about finding the pivot points that give opportunities for innovation. For example, inclusive instruction involves cooperative learning modalities that are new experiences to children but second nature to those of us who have been in education for their career. Play card games with primary students and notice what happens and what the challenges are; then pivot to make that the game they look forward to playing again next chance they get.